After the Nicaraguan company Astro Packing Solution announced an indefinite closure of its operations, local companies predict that packaging will become more expensive in the coming weeks and will be forced to look for new suppliers in neighboring countries.
The use of unique codes that can be scanned with a mobile device, so that consumers know all the product information and companies interact with their customers, are part of the innovations that some packages already have.
Currently, consumer interest in products that are manufactured with environmental and social responsibility has grown. More and more customers want to have more details about the production processes and the origin of the goods.
From January to July 2020, Central American companies imported $62 million in paper and cardboard from Mexico, 28% less than in the same period in 2019, a decrease that can be explained by the drop in purchases in all markets in the region.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
Given the rise of online commerce to the detriment of traditional channels, the contact point between customers and brands is packaging, which must meet the demands of consumers, who are increasingly responsible for the environment.
Studies carried out by companies that provide courier services, detail that in a context of booming e-commerce, 90% of companies believe that in the coming years packaging will be more important, in the area of sustainability and in reducing carbon emissions.
Exporters are preparing for the new regulation that will be implemented from 2020 in the U.S. market, among which is the application of a new table of nutritional data in packaged products.
Representatives of the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport) reported that both U.S. and foreign companies exporting to the U.S., must comply with new food labeling standards.
Since consumers are less willing to buy products whose packaging is harmful to the environment, the packaging industry must begin to incorporate these trend changes in the development of its packaging design.
The increase in the diffusion of ideas proposing sustainability in the production and commercialization of goods opens a space for companies to implement strategies based on the preference for the consumption of "eco-friendly" products.
Recyclable and biodegradable bottles and packaging with a "second life" are some of the packaging trends arising in the food industry.
From a report by PROCOMER:
In the food sectorpackagingas a conceptis becoming increasingly present and brands are targeting their strategies towards green and practical practices. Experts believe that this is a crucial part of brand perception as it is a major point of contact with the consumer.Specialistshave detailed upcoming trends in packagingwhich are being backed by the food sector:
The structure of the packaging, the role of "online" packaging, the trend of smart packaging and packaging experience, are some of the factors that will drive the industry this year.
From a report by PROCOMER:
Five trends will drive the market of packaging and bottling, announcedthe Mintelin its report "Global Packaging Trends 2017". The points, which the firm inidcates must be taken into consideration by manufacturers, consumers, retailers and industrialists in order to achieve better results and be at the forefront are:
The fair will be held in El Salvador from September 21st to 22nd and will address issues such as innovation in packaging, automation in food chains, and international industry standards.
From a statement by the Salvadoran Foundation for Economic and Social Development (FUSADES):
For the fourth consecutive year, the Ministry of Economy and the Salvadoran Foundation for Economic and Social Development, FUSADES through its Technology Innovation Program, Proinnova, and the Marketing Cell for Food and Beverages will be holding on 21 and 22 of September a Congress and fair on the most significant technology in the Food and Beverage Industry of El Salvador: Food & Tecnology Beverege Summit 2015.
Nicaraguan exporters must work more on packaging and labeling, product differentiation and quality policies.
From a statement from the Association of Goods and Exporters of Nicaragua (APEN):
There are at least "nineteen critical factors" that are hindering the internationalization of Nicaraguan firms, preventing them from being able to sell their products abroad.
Individual packages and innovation in packaging are part of the strategies used by the food industry in Latin America to improve the positioning of healthy packaged products.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The Latin American region has shown a preference for choosing healthier options of packaged foods.
Certified organic products, labeled with details of the importer and personal sized or or small packages are some of the preferences of Norwegian consumers when consuming coffee.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
High concentration, with strong flavor and floury consistency are some of the features that coffee consumers in Norway are looking for.
When purchasing packaged foods, German consumers show a preference for small or personal sized packages and those which are transparent or colorful.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
In the German market the issue of packaging is extremely important. It is not only an indispensable element for protection of the product, showing information regarding the use and conservation of food and drinks, but it is also the image that catches consumer's eyes making it a differentiator between brands . Moreover, it is one of the main signals regarding product quality, especially when it comes to new products. Consequently, continuous innovation in packaging is essential in this market.
A new type of biodegradable container has been developed for products containing liquid or solid fat which prolongs the shelf life of the food.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
Biomat research group at the University of the Basque Country, has developed a new biodegradable packaging for fatty products, both liquid and solid, made from agro-industrial by-products, thereby contributing to sustainable consumption of raw materials and by-product recovery. The container is transparent and at the same time, an excellent barrier to ultraviolet light and gases such as oxygen. Multilayer laminates are usually used as a barrier to gases, however, the product developed by Biomat group is monolayer, thus greatly reducing its cost. Furthermore, it can be heat sealed and is printable.